Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What To Expect

If a tooth is causing severe discomfort, removing it would be the best remedy.

For instance, when you’re dealing with an impacted tooth. While wisdom teeth are meant to erupt and develop normally like the rest of the teeth, it is not always the case. When the wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to erupt or develop normally, it becomes impacted.

This kind of tooth may:

• Grow straight up or down but get trapped within the jawbone
• Grow towards the other teeth (second molar)
• Grow at a right angle
• Grow towards the back of the mouth

Problems of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, many problems can arise. These include:

• Tooth pain at the site
• Irritated gums
• Damage to the nearby teeth, gums, and jawbone
• Infections and bacterial growth in the gumline of the impacted tooth
• Poor oral hygiene
• Jaw and gum disease
• Plaque build-up that can cause decay
• Shifting of the adjacent teeth
• Development of a tumor or cyst around the tooth
• Complications with orthodontic treatments

If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, your dentist will likely recommend removing the tooth. This will eliminate severe discomfort and prevent damage to the nearby structures.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

1. Initial Appointment

If you have an impacted tooth, you should see your dentist for an examination. The dentist will examine your mouth and determine whether you need an extraction or not. If you do, you’ll be scheduled for the procedure.

Once the dentist confirms you for the extraction, they will prepare you for the procedure. They will give you additional information about the treatment and tell you how to prepare appropriately. Ask the dentist if you don’t understand something or you have any concerns.

2. Wisdom Teeth Extraction

• The dentist begins the extraction by administering anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort during the surgery.
• The dentist makes a small cut or incision in the gums to expose and access the tooth and bone.
• A small portion of the bone may be removed to access the tooth’s root.
• The dentist then breaks the tooth into pieces for easy removal
• Once the tooth is taken out, the extraction area is cleaned thoroughly.
• To promote faster healing, the dentist closes the wound with stitches.
• You’ll be given a gauze to bite on to control bleeding and aid in clot formation.
• The dentist may prescribe some medications and give you a few aftercare tips. Make sure you follow them to promote faster healing and prevent any complications.

3. Wisdom Teeth Extraction Aftercare

After a wisdom tooth removal, your dentist is likely to give you the following aftercare instructions:

Do’s

• Take the prescribed medications as instructed.
• Use an ice pack to manage pain and swelling.
• Eat soft foods for the next few hours.
• Hydrate well.
• Rest for the next 24 hours or so.
• Notify your dentist immediately if pain, bleeding, or swelling doesn’t improve.
• Wait until the next day to brush your teeth. Rinse your mouth gently.

Don’ts

• Do not suck or drink through a straw, as it can dislodge the blood clot. This can slow the healing or cause complications.
• Do not eat hot, crunchy, hard, spicy, or sticky foods.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol for at least 24 hours.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Risks

If done correctly, wisdom tooth extraction does not usually result in any serious or long-term complications. However, it’s normal to experience a few side effects immediately after the surgery, such as pain, swelling, and bleeding.

Rarely, complications to watch out for include:

• Severe bleeding, pain, or swelling
• Infection in the socket
• Painful dry socket
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Persistent side effects
• Persistent bad breath
• Damage to the nearby structure such as bone, teeth, and gums
• Persistent loss of feeling or numbness
• Blood or pus in nasal discharge

If you experience any of these complications, you should call your dentist immediately.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for wisdom tooth extraction services? Contact Newburyport Family Dental today to book your appointment.